Sexy, funny, vivacious and romantic ....

Words I'd use to describe our featured author, the beautiful and talented Ann Wesley Hardin. When I first heard about Ann I went to her web site and laughed out out at what I read on her bio page. Now here's a gal with a sense of humor, I thought. I was intrigued. So I read her first book. And I was hooked.

If you haven't indulged in one of Ann's books... well what are you waiting for????

Ann's latest offering from Ellora's Cave is A Lick and a Promise. Come on, admit it, the title alone is titillating enough to make you rush to EC to buy a copy. And what you find inside the book is entertainment in its purest. Being one to keep it close to the vest and not give anything away, I'll tempt you with a little blurb:

And the Earthlings thought their sexual activity carried health risks...

Inappropriate lust for a sexy, recovering addict makes Dove Hansen wonder about her choices in men. Maybe she'll stick with her anonymous dream lover after all. He might not exist but at least he's sober and their ethereal couplings leave her panting. Still, she's gonna lose it if she doesn't get some with a human.

Mark Arianos isn't a junkie. He's a fugitive alien strung out on Earth air. In his world, sex is a capital crime and his uncontrollable passion for Dove could turn lethal. So their out-of-body trysts keep insanity at bay while he fulfills a critical mission.

But the longer Mark dallies with Dove, the deeper their attachment grows. Soon he must choose between betraying her or risking his civilization, and his life, to give her more than a lick and a promise.

Yummm :) Trust me, this book delivers. And if you can't trust me, then you KNOW you can trust Mrs. Giggles, who says" "... this story is too much fun for words and I have a wonderful time laughing so many times during this story. The characters are adorable, the secondary characters are wacky but fun rather than annoying, and the author manages to balance wacky humor and sensuality very well.

So, to keep you from having to open a new window as you think to yourself "I better go get this book!", here's a convenient link to all of Ann's books at Ellora's Cave. And pay a visit to Ann's website. It's a fun site, and this is one author you'll fall in love with.

Thanks for visiting with us, and thanks Ann, for being our featured author. We'll be looking forward to more exciting and sexy escapades!!

Until next time, remember, Tame is not in your name when you're a Hussy!

Ciana and Sally, The Hussies

The Courage to Love

Welcome Samantha Kane as our guest EC author today. Below is a little bit about her book, some tidbits about Samantha and sippets of the great reviews THE COURAGE TO LOVE has garnered!

Book One in the Brothers in Arms series.

Kate Collier is still recovering from a vicious rape and trying to make a success of her dress shop when Lord Jason Randal and Mr. Anthony Richards return to London from the continent, intent on winning her. She’s known them for years, ever since they served with her late husband in the Peninsula against Napoleon. She’d been in love with them for almost that long. To discover they feel the same is a shock, but Kate isn’t ready to turn her life back over to a man, or men.

Jason and Tony prove hard to resist, however, especially when their close friendship blossoms into desire for each other as they make Kate’s body burn with passion. The combination of their insatiable desire for her, and their journey into a sexual relationship with one another, is irresistible to Kate.

A nightmare from her past tries to keep them apart, but the three long for a life together in spite of society’s censure, and they will not be denied.

******************
About Samantha Kane
Samantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband of ten years and three children, two boys and one girl. She spent seven years as a high school history teacher in Kansas and North Carolina before becoming a full time writer and mom. She has a Master's degree in American History from the University of Kansas.

Sandra's hobbies include reading, knitting, chasing children, going to the beach as often as possible, antique stores and catalog shopping. (Although she insists she does not have a problem, she only shops recreationally.)

Her novels are not written from experience, but from an overactive imagination, (for which her husband is eternally grateful.) The main theme in her novels is the acceptance of love in its many forms: among friends, for family, and romantic love between men and women.

********************
Reviews:

Although the love scenes rate a 20 on a scale between 1 and 10, the emotional bond between the three makes reading such scenes profoundly emotionally intense rather than voyeuristic. THE COURAGE TO LOVE is a regency set historical romance like no other, and one I highly recommend." Romance Reviews Today
"I love a good ménage á trois story. This one is better than good." Coffee Time Romance

"A top rating goes to this novel." Joyfully Reviewed
"The Courage to Love is an incredibly erotic journey of the heart and soul. . . Don’t miss this story. Samantha Kane is a welcome voice on the historical erotic scene!" The Romance Studio

"This is one book for those of us who love erotica. This one is quite steamy and ice cubes will not put out the fire." Ecataromance

"The Courage to Love by Samantha Kane is a toe curling step back in time." Erotic Escapades

"THE COURAGE TO LOVE has earned a permanent spot on my keeper shelf! Why? Because any book that can send tingles down my spine and curl my toes is
too hot not to reread whenever the mood strikes. The characters are
perfect." Romance Junkies, 5 Blue Ribbons

Thank you for joining us today, Samantha! Be sure to visit Samantha's website, too.

Sally and Ciana
The Hussies™

Meet Sandra Cox, author of The Crystal

Sandra Cox is published with Cerridwen Press and has received great reviews for her book, THE CRYSTAL.

Here's a blurb:

"Only the chosen ones or their mates will ever be able to see the magic contained in the Globe."

Caught in a downpour, Gabriella Bell enters a trendy little shop and discovers a crystal ball in which she sees the face of a hard-eyed stranger. Drawn by a force she doesn't understand she buys the crystal, unaware she is purchasing stolen property that belongs to the aunt of a premiere cat burglar known to polite society as Christopher Saint and to the underworld as The Tiger.

She soon discovers that not only does the handsome, hard-eyed stranger want the mysterious globe but so does a beautiful ruthless jewel thief who will stop at nothing, including murder, to possess Christopher and the crystal ball…and Gabriella is standing in her way. Gabriella discovers the road to true love isn't just rocky, it's downright dangerous.

*****************

A bit about the author

A vegetarian and animal lover, Sandra is an Administrative Assistant by day and an author by night. She hopes to write full time in the not too distant future. She lives with her family, and a menagerie of pets, in sunny North Carolina. Sandra graduated from Eastern Illinois University and is an active member of Romance Writers of America and From the Heart Romance Writers. From the Heart Romance Writers has been the source of many treasured friendships.

Her next novel, Boji Stones-a paranormal romance will be released in September.

Sandra sent us a few of the great reviews she's received for The Crystal:

Romance Reviews Today
THE CRYSTAL - Sandra Cox
Cerridwen Press - www.cerridwenpress.com
ISBN: 1-4199-0811-8
January 2007
Paranormal Romantic Suspense

"Springfield, Illinois; New Orleans, Louisiana; Calcutta, India - Present Day

Gabby Bell is just trying to get inside out of the rain when she steps into a New Age shop. But a green glow towards the back of the store immediately captures her attention. There doesn't seem to be anything especially interesting about the crystal ball, until Gabby sees a face in it. Something tells her she must have the crystal and, five hundred dollars later, it's hers. Then the fun begins.

Christopher Saint, a well-regarded playboy, is known in underworld circles as the Tiger, a man not to be crossed. When he discovers his adopted aunt Tamara's crystal ball has been stolen, Christopher is on a mission to recapture it. This brings him to Gabriella Bell, a blonde Nordic goddess who rubs him the wrong way. Even worse, for a man who sometimes deals with the shadier side of life, locking horns with a reporter who has a policeman for a father is definitely disconcerting.

But squabbles about who owns the ball take a back seat to a deadlier challenge. Who stole the crystal in the first place, and why? Soon, Christopher and Gabby find themselves working together, aided by his fey aunt Tamara, on a quest to protect the family heirloom. On top of everything else, a battle of sexual wills breaks out between the two as Gabby tries to understand why she keeps seeing Christopher's face in the ball.

An entertaining tale, THE CRYSTAL is a throwback to romances of the past, but with a thoroughly modern flair. The genre of today can sometimes slide into the erroneous assumption that more sex, or more explicit sex, is better. Sex has its place, but what author Sandra Cox excels at in this tale is the build up of the sexual tension, enough so that the reader can easily imagine the actual event, without the step-by-step details. It certainly brings an innocence and real romance to a tale that this reader absolutely enjoyed.

Gabriella is a go-getter who is not afraid to go after a story when she sniffs one out. Christopher Saint's arrival in her life smells like the kind of story that can get her from freelance to a steady job. Christopher is totally unprepared for the tenacious Gabby and her unexpected affect on his life and heart. Toss into the mix a matchmaking aunt, two adorable pets, and a crystal ball with a mind of its own, and you've got a great story.

Humor, romance, and adventure combine to create an entertaining romance that I highly recommend picking up." Kathy Samuels


Fallen Angel Reviews
"The Crystal delivers a romantic tale with an original flare.

Christopher Saint has grown up on the romantic tales of the globe, yet he really didn?t give them much credence. However, when the globe is stolen he searches for it only to discover a beautiful, stubborn woman believes she owns it. Gabriella Bell bought the globe on a whim. Despite the enigmatic stranger reflected in its depths, something about it calls to her on an elemental level. When the face shows up in person, Gabriella?s life takes an unexpected turn that might be just what her heart needs if it doesn?t kill her first.

The Crystal takes an unusual premise and delivers a full-bodied romance. The paranormal aspects of the story are somewhat light, but factor heavily into the plot when needed. The author was able to pull this off by having strong, likeable characters that easily kept the plot moving. The antagonist is definitely not one of the good guys and is sure to make your skin crawl. I loved the dialogue; it is quick, witty, and readily reflects the personality of the characters. The exchanges between Chris and Gabriella are a true delight of barbs, sexual tension, and honest caring. The secondary characters flesh out the story and interject plenty of humor and insight. The action keeps a steady pace with little forays here and there to help bring the suspense and romance together into an enjoyable story." Reviewed by: Amanda S.

Romance Junkies
"Despite his name, Christopher Saint is definitely not a saint. In fact, he is known as the Tiger in the shady underworld, a ruthless thief who always gets his treasure. Just how cunning and resourceful is this steely eyed man, Gabriella Bell is about to find out when the alluring crystal ball that she owns ends up missing. Smelling a story in the making, tenacious freelance reporter Gabriella follows the thieving Christopher to his home town and into danger in pursuit of her globe.

More than just a simple green orb, all those that are chosen and their mates will be able to see the magic contained in the globe. And it is the fairy globe as well as destiny that bring these two headstrong adversaries together despite their social differences and family background.

From a glittering ballroom in New Orleans to the disreputable backstreets of Calcutta, Sandra Cox takes us into high adventure where the action is thick, fast and furious. In a world populated by intriguing characters such as the gruff moonshiner John Paul and the beauteous but deadly Lai, even a "tacky" crystal ball can be the stuff of legends and destiny. Definitely a book to keep the adrenaline pumping and the wonder of magic alive!"

You should grab your copy of this book from Cerridwen and settle back for a magical read!

Sally and Ciana!

Romantic, emotional, magical ...

All that and more describes Jennifer Dunne. A wonderful writer with a unique talent for creating believable characters and vivid spellbinding situations, Jennifer has a unique voice and a real flair for fantasy and romance.

Her book Shadow Prince, available at Cerridwen Press is a prime example of her talent. If you've not yet read this book you have missed a real keeper. Magic is central to this tale, and Jennifer shows remarkable skill in managing the shifts from the dark magic that threatens the main characters against the magic of a love that grows out of an unlikely pairing.

One of the things I really admired about this book is the way Jennifer pulls the reader into the quest the main characters are on. Tension builds as the evil mage threatens and the danger grows stronger.

The characters show true emotional depth and the growth of their relationship is treated with the respect it is due and allowed to develop at its own pace rather than being rushed

I won't give away any of the secrets of this wonderful story, but will give you a short blurb to tempt you:

World Gates - Shadow Prince By Jennifer Dunne

Book Two in the World Gates series.

The kingdom of Nord D'Rae was destroyed ten years ago, although there are hundreds of theories as to how and why it happened. Popular sentiment blames the bastard prince Reynart D'Altha. But no one is foolish enough to ask the deadly assassin that Reynart has become.

Fantasy artist Angie Blanchard was assured by her psychiatrist that her visit to the imaginary kingdom of Nord D'Rae was a particularly vivid coma dream. The obsession threatens not only her sanity but her life. Finding out that the fantasy world is real doesn't change that threat, only transforms it.

When Angie is magically transported to Reynart's world, his plans for vengeance are interrupted by the mage council's representative. The destruction of Nord D'Rae destabilized the world's magical gateways, a situation which has recently become critical. The mage needs both Angie and Reynart to help her restore the broken Nord D'Rae gateway, then seal it for good. On their quest, they must face the lies and betrayals of ten years ago.

Too bad they'd rather kill each other.

Obviously others besides the Hussies give this book a big Thumbs Up, as evidenced by the reviews it has received.

Fallen Angel Romances, 5 angels:

"... this is a romance not to be missed. "

Coffee Time Romances, 5 cups:

"Written with wonderful attention to detail, Shadow Prince is an engrossing and compelling read. Filled with magic and action, each scene hits the reader between the eyes and in the heart..."

From author Joy Nash:"

If you've never read a fantasy romance by Jennifer Dunne, you're really missing out! Jennifer draws readers into her stories with compelling characters, meticulous world-building and beautiful love scenes....Readers of medieval fantasy and sensual romance will not want to miss SHADOW PRINCE.

From eCataRomance, 4 1/2 stars:

"Highly emotional, Shadow Prince will keep you enthralled until the very end. You don’t want to miss this one."

Our thanks to Jennifer for being our featured, Must Read author. You can bet that we're eager for whatever she has in store for us next.

Do pay a visit to Jennifer's Web Site, and to her book listings at Cerridwen Press and Ellora's Cave.

This is Ciana and Sally, the Hussies, saying thanks for visiting. And remember to let that inner hussy out to play - at least a little :)

Sometimes a Title Says It Best - DEEP HEAT

Coming up with the right title for your book isn't always easy and sometimes inspiration comes from the most unlikely source.

When we asked BJ McCall how she comes up with her titles, we weren't expecting her answer. We love how this hussy's mind works!

“I wrote my first story for EC and needed a title. The futuristic story was about an ice princess. I noticed the tube of Icy Hot on my husband's bedside table. Eureka!” BJ told us.

And then when we asked about DEEP HEAT:

"I wrote Deep Heat, a story about the son of the princess. The futuristic took place on space stations and a commercial freighter. My husband had purchased Deep Heating Rub. I couldn't resist.”

Well, as hussies, we feel DEEP HEAT made the perfect title for BJ's sizzler. We are holding our breaths waiting for whatever her husband buys next. We are sure it will end up as another sexy title for BJ's incredible books.

We did wonder if her book title SILK was also hubby inspired. We had fun naming things he could have bought that inspired BJ - I went with silk sheets and Ci was certain it was silk jammies that is until we remembered French Silk Pie! Oh yummy, decadent chocolate goody. Of course, only BJ knows for sure and well, she's not saying. (g)

We tried to find out the inspiration of the title SILK. Honest we did. Sigh. But the more we promised, the tighter she pursed her lips together. Augh! Hussy defeat! But what better Hussy treat could there be than to read SILK?

Whatever inspired her, you can read all about it in the book In Season of Seductions IV.

Here's a little about SILK:

Inter-planetary pilot Lisin Silk has ferried everything from supplies to mercenaries but on this run her cargo is a lone male prisoner.

Rhys Adon isn’t an ordinary convict. He’s a mindbender and although he’s secured in a special cell, he’s already planning his escape. After months of solitary confinement Rhys is convinced Silk will make his prison break an erotic pleasure.

Fanning myself. Oh yeah! That is the only way to break out of prison. You can go to any of the links and find BJ's wonderful books.

And, we even found some of her reviews. We just squirmed reading them!

REVIEWS for DEEP HEAT

4 Stars
“Danger, passion and mystery are all present in this hot and spicy romance. Hope remains unavailable, commitment seem nearly impossible, yet something else enters the picture—fate. This story has humor and a level of emotion that make it a quick, engaging read." Romantic Times by Robin Taylor

5 Angels
“I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a sensual, futuristic, true love story.” Fallen Angel Reviews by Jill

5 Hearts
“A book full of intense sex and hot sex scenes will have you running
for a cold shower.” The Romance Studio by Angel Brewer

5 Stars
“This story grabbed my attention and never let it go from the first page.” Just Erotic Romance Reviews by Julie Bryan

5 Stars
“Deep Heat is a thrilling novel that kept me riveted to the story. I truly enjoyed this story and recommend it to any one who loves a spicy futuristic romance that will set your heart of fire and remind you that love is what truly matters in life.” Just Erotic Romance Reviews by Susan Holly

Thank you for letting us spotlight you and your books, BJ!

Sally and Ciana, both shopping for silk and anticipating some deep heat.

Sexy, Spunky, Witty and Wonderful

Why yes, of course, I'm talking about TJ Michaels!

For any of you who have not yet read one of TJ's books, you are SO missing out. TJ not only writes suspense that will have your palms sweating, but creates characters that are real. No cookie-cutter heros and heroines for TJ. She gives us characters we can identify with, feel their pain (and pleasure).

August 29th marks the release date of TJ's new book from Ellora's Cave, Egyptian Voyage, a book that promises to rock your box - ahem, I meant -- yep, I meant box :) Here's a tempting morsel to stimulate your appetite:

Eqyptian Voyage:

Chrysalyn Geyer couldn’t have been more miffed with her boss. What was she supposed to do on a mandatory three month vacation? On a private residence cruise ship, she tried to prepare herself for what was sure to be pure boredom. Then he appeared - Rahn Benson. What was he doing here? And while her spirit guide was happy to see the man, Chrys couldn’t see past knocking him senseless for breaking her heart the last time she’d seen the rogue.

But Rahn is determined to do anything to win Chrys back, including protect her from the crazed but refined looking gentleman quietly stalking her from port to port. Besides, he wouldn’t be a good undercover agent if he didn’t at least do a little work while he tried to ‘work’ his way past Chrys’ bed and into her heart. Even if he must keep a few deadly secrets to do it.

Aaiiiieeeeeeeee!! I am so looking forward to reading this book! You know I just ADORE rogues, and Rahn sounds like one I'd love to love (well right after I did like Chrys wants to and cleaned his clock for breaking my lil'ol heart)! I predict this will be a read that will have you needing ice and a fan (or a hunky rogue if one is handy!)

Not only is TJ a great writer, but she's a fantastic and gracious lady, as evidenced by the nice comments she's allowed us to share with you:

From TJ:

Syn!!!Thanks for the opportunity to chill in your corner of the web, especially with the release of Egyptian Voyage on the 29th of August.

Woman, you deserve the 'bow down and worship my graphic goddessness' treatment. Girlfriend, I swear you must walk right into my head and see what I like because you always deliver it. And the cover for Egyptian Voyage, my Torrid Tarot novel? All I can say is, "Holy exotic women, Batman!"

This book is a bit of a spin on my debut novel, Primed to Pounce (and yes, you rocked that book cover, too!) with some Native American myth and kick butt African lion spirit guides. Oh, guess what? Spirit of the Pryde is hitting the shelves in print soon! I'm totally stoked 'cause it'll be my first EC print release, plus I'm hooked up with some hot authors, like Lauren Dane (who rocks werewolves and witches) and Tielle St. Clare (who totally jams with her dragons) and several others.

By the way, I can't wait to meet you at next year's RT. They may as well just get ready 'cause when we do manage to hook up it's going to be ON! Turning it out old school style *tj doing the cabbage patch...badly!*TJ

See, I told you she was gracious. Easy to see why we're so crazy about TJ - she's the total package baby!

Be sure to visit TJ's website, and check out all her books at Ellora's Cave

Our thanks to TJ for being our featured author and a Hussy "Must Read".

And TJ, I am so looking forward to turning it out old school style with you! (Just hope I can blame my cabbage patch moves on too much of the bubbly!!)

This is Ciana and Sally, the Hussies, saying thanks again to our gal, TJ and to all of you who visit. Have a fantastic day and remember to let your inner hussy out to play (at least a little!)

Big hugs!!

CIANA Rides again...

Turn about is fair play. Since Ciana posted my book without letting me she was going to, (eg)I'm posting her COMING SOON book. I can't wait for Scout 'n' Cole's story on September 19th!!!

If you haven't read her Hot in the Saddle series. The you can catch up between now and release date with Chase 'n' Ana and Molding Clay !!

Be sure an check out Ciana's website for some juicy tidbits or you can go directly to EC's website. Ci's cowboys are ever so sexy hunks!
Sally:)

New Book Contract!!!

I'm happy to announce I just contracted another book with EC titled SEXED UP. Here's a little about it.


In 2833, all the men in the world are dead. A doomsday virus struck nearly fifty years ago and the scientists no longer seek a solution. The new world government has outlawed all research taking an Anti-Male stance, but there is another faction, the Pro-Male movement that works in secrecy for re-creating human males.

Randi Mayers is the world's foremost sex replacement designer. She hopes her latest design, William, will give women something better than the rubberized clunky life-size robots— a real companion, programmable via the advanced nanite technology she’s incorporated with the black market, very rare, human male DNA, supplied by her new employer, Sexed Up.

Her new boss, Ellen Forte has revealed the Board of Directors wants Randi to push the envelope past legal restrictions. If she can create a cyborg male, then Sexed Up will use the guise of a new sex replacement to saturate the market with her creation, before the government can react. This will be the first step to re-introducing men into society with the hope of one day creating a human male.

Things heat up the moment Randi accidentally activates William and he is determined to show her the many skills he possesses as a dedicated lover. Industrial espionage sets the lovers on a collision course with those determined to keep the world free of men.

Can Randi save the man she's created? The clock is ticking and Sexed Up pushes to mass produce the cyborgs before their secret lab is discovered. Can William convince Randi he is not a machine but a human male? Can he make Randi admit she's in love with him and they have a future together?

Combine sensuality, steamy sex and comedy and what do you get?

Why Ashlyn Chase of course!

For any of you who have not yet read one of Ash's books, put on your running shoes and hurry over to Ellora's Cave, babies, because this is a writer you DON'T want to miss!

Ashlyn's book in the Ellora's Cave Torrid Tarot Series was released recently and wooo hoooo! Talk about a fun and steamy read! Thirteen hot and sexy crime-fighting gals with super powers (and PMS)! When I read that on the blurb I knew this was a book for me.

Since I'm a firm believer in "why buy the cow when you're getting the milk for free" theory, I won't give away any secrets about the book. What I will tell you is that when Joell (aka Wonder Witch of the League of Amazing Women) gets a call for help from a man telling her about male models who've been kidnapped from a romance convention, well how can she refuse? All of the women in the League are romance writers in their spare time and what gal can resist a hunky handsome man?

Hmmmm, you say ... male models, super women ... tell us more, Hussies. Nope, you're going to have to find out for yourself what happens in this remarkably entertaining and sexy book. Discover whether the hero of the tale will turn out to be the undercover cop working with the League or the agent for the models, or maybe someone else ... someone with superpowers of his own.

Trust me, this is a book with some really delightful and unexpected twists and turns. Hot sex, witty dialogue, an imaginative and unique voice and some laugh-out-loud scenes that will transform you into a lifelong fan of this talented writer.

And what about the writer, you ask? LOL. Well, Ash describes herself as an Almond Joy bar. A little nutty, a little flaky, but basically sweet, wanting only to deliver a mouthwatering, scrumptious experience to her readers.

But don't let the humor fool you. This is one smart cookie. Ash has a degree in behavioral sciences (psychology and sociology) and uses her education and experience to bring depth and re human emotions to her writing. But you know, she says it much better herself, in this article she penned and has graciously allowed us to post:

Why I Write Straight from my Shameless, Outrageous, Passionate Heart.
by Ashlyn Chase

I just read an article about how comedy writers should not use too much humor and how they should temper it, i.e. curb the urge to let the heroine crawl out the bathroom window. Huh? What’s wrong with that? Hey, I’ve done it myself (and I’m not just talking fiction!)

Fine. Some people aren’t comfortable letting their slips show. Isn’t that what editors are for? To reel us in when necessary? I don’t care if my Freudian slips show and it seems to be okay with my editor. Even more okay with fans. I can hardly believe that I actually have fans or that my work generates great reviews and reader mail! Maybe others are warped too, I don’t know.

What I do know is this. 1) Our world can use a few good belly-laughs and a lot of love. 2) I enjoy writing when I’m having fun with it and the more fun I have the less I care what people think. And 3) Readers can tell when words come from a place of passion and truth. My passion is making people laugh.

And truth? You might think that’s an odd word to describe a fiction writer’s goal, especially one who writes Vampire and Shapeshifter comedies. Here’s the thing…a wonderful quote I read ages ago said it best. “You must be fearless to be a writer.” I wish I could remember the fearless female’s name, but I can’t. The idea being that each writer has some sort of truth to tell, regardless of the manner in which they tell it. It takes guts to tell your own truth with your own voice.

We all have words to live by. Whether positive or negative, some of these words hit a chord and stick. I’ve found some wonderful mentors along the way who’ve imparted words of wisdom. My number one wise woman was my mother. She often said to me, “Nothing ventured; Nothing gained.” Yup. She was right. Well, except when great things just fall into one’s lap with absolutely no effort, but how often does that happen? It even takes faith, foresight and effort to buy a lottery ticket.

She also said people would be jealous of me all my life. Wow, that was a trip to lay on a teenager! But she was right about that too. And you can’t let jealousy stop you. Some people will be jealous of the time you spend writing. Tough noogies. Some will be jealous that you can do something they can’t. Yay you. Who knows…some people might even be jealous that you once had the guts to climb out a bathroom window to avoid a lounge lizard who thought he could charm your pants off. So what? Be fearless enough to write about it. Whatever your gift, embrace it. Be passionate about it. Write whatever you really love and take no prisoners!

Yahoo Ash! "write whatever you really love and take no prisoners."You go girl. These Hussies are totally on board with that!! (well every now and then we do like to take a prisoner - but just for a bit of Hussy fun, you know.)

Sally and I give Ashlyn Chase the Hussies thumbs up and recommend all of her books. Thanks for joining us and learning more about the talented and entertaining Ashlyn Chase. Pay a visit to Ashlyn's web site to learn more about her and her books at http://www.ashlynchase.com/

Until next time, remember ... you know she's in there somewhere. Isn't it time you let your inner hussy out to play?

Big hussy hugs-
Sally and Ciana - The Hussies

Sexy, Sassy, Romantic and Erotic (and her books are too!)

Yes, I'm talking about the award winner author, Michelle M. Pillow.

Her book Maiden and the Monster won the Winner of the 2006 RT Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance. And a well deserved reward it was! If you haven't read this book, you should make tracks to Ellora's Cave to get your copy.

Michelle is a very visual writer. Her words evoke images that transport you into the realm of the story. I'm normally not much of a historical fan, but this book changed my attitude about that.

For those of you who haven't read it (woe unto you - you are SO missing out!), I don't want to give away one delicious morsel of the story, so I'll say this: These characters are the most unlikely of pairs. No one, including them, ever dreamed they'd find love in the arms of the other. But fate has plans no one could foresee.

Here is a tale of a true tortured hero and an innocent maiden who learns about life and love in a tale that's chock full of unexpected twists and turns that keeps you glued to the page. The sex is woved so skillfully into the book that it truly advances the tale rather than provide gratutious gratification. It is an artfully written love story, timeless and classic and I give it a huge thumbs up!

And lucky gal that I am, I got to do the cover :) Gotta love having a job like mine!! Not only do I get to do cover, but covers for fantastic writers like Michelle. Besides being talented and beautiful, Michelle is one super sweet lady, evidenced by the nice email I received from her that she allowed me to use here:

A note from Michelle:

Writing for Ellora’s Cave is such an honor and pleasure, especially when we get gorgeous cover art by the great Ms. Syneca. *wink* New cover art day is actually one of my favorite times of the book publishing process and I’ll drop everything to post it all over the web to show people.

Thanks Syneca, for all the great visual inspiration! You really are a princess!

Wow, I'm honored. Like I said, the greatest job in the world ... and it's mine!!

Thanks Michelle, for allowing me to feature you on my blog. I'll be anxiously awaiting your next book and wish you huge success and happiness in all you do.

Folks, do pay a visit to Michelle's site to learn more about her at http://www.michellepillow.com/

And be sure to check out all of her books at Ellora's Cave at http://www.ellorascave.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=MP

This is Syn the cover lady saying happy reading. Until next time :)

Namaste -

Scintillating, sexy and did I mention HOT?

TAPESTRY DREAMS by N.J. Walters


This is a book I was waiting for! Two of my favorite N.J. books rolled into one print book. Yeah baby!!

If you are a print reader, RUSH to get this one. If you're an ebook fan, then hurry over to Ellora's Cave and get the two books that make up this print edition....

Christina's Tapestry

You can bet that Christina Beaumount had no idea what she was in for when she
made an impulse purchase of an expensive tapestry. But baby oh baby, when
that magic tapestry transports her to Javara and smack into the arms of not one but two sexy warriors, life takes on all new hues.

I won't spoil the story for you, and will just leave you with this .... it's hot, it's sexy, emotional and there's real conflict for our heroine. Choices to be made that will change her life forever. Wooo hoooo NJ!! Girl you outdid yourself on this one!!

Bakra Bride:

Jane Smith's once idyllic life (wonderful apartment, great job, good boyfriend) has bascially turned south. I mean this gal goes through some stuff! And just when she thinks she's got a handle on things again ...wham!! Something totally unexpected happens.

An impulse purchase from a thrift shop, a tapesty, turns out to be a magic carpet ride that transports Jane to Javara and plops her right into the lap(s) of the Bakra brothers. And ladies, what brothers. Wooooooo!!!

Life sure isn't the same in Javara, and Jane never dreamed that she'd be faced
with such a choice. I won't spoil the book for you, but I will say that I personally
envied the heck out of Jane for weeks!! You will, too :)

I have to say that doing these covers was tons of fun. I love the concepts N.J. came up with, and adore her for allowing me to take her ideas and run with them. It's always a pleasure working with N.J. Feed the Syn part of my personality. And comes with a bonus for the Ci personality -- a great read!!

So folks, Tapestry Dreams and the two books it contains, is my pick for the perfect way to spend a weekend. Two fantastic reads by one of today's most scintillating writers. It gets my personal five star stamp of approval!!

Visit N.J. and learn more about her other wonderful books at http://www.njwalters.com/

Now, you may be wondering ... what does N.J. have to say about this feature spot? Well, I thought you might, so here's a comment from the lady herself:

From N.J.

What a great introduction! Thanks so much, Syneca. Your blog looks gorgeous and is so welcoming. Of course, it's no surprise with all that beautiful and amazing artwork. You truly are such a talent, in so many ways.

I always love it when one of my books gets the "Syneca treatment". We won't tell anyone else, but I actually prefer it. I absolutely trust you to get it right--you know what I want even better than I do. The Tapestries series is my most popular series, and the covers are my all-time favorites for any books I've written. I mean, even you, the artist, have to admit, they're HOT! LOL

I'm loving being featured on your blog. It's an honor.

Big hugs!
NJ

(Beautiful, talented and just the sweetest person!! Any wonder I'm such a big fan???)

Thanks for stopping by. Visit again soon to see what treats the cover lady and voracious reader have in store for you :)

Namaste-
Syn (aka Ciana)

Howdy and Welcome

I'm Syneca, sometimes known as Ciana Stone (But only when I have on my writer's hat) and this is my new blog.

Since I don't always have anything interesting to say about myself, I will be posting book covers and information about some of the great books I've read (and done covers for in many cases).

And with that in mind, the first book I want to talk about is Last Resort by Sally Painter. Now, in case you don't know, I've been a fan of Sally's since her first book came out with Ellora's Cave. When she and I teamed up to form The Hussies (TM), I admit to being a bit star-struck. Okay, now that I've realized she's my soul sister, you'd think I'd have lost the star-struck, but it's still there, and she still blows me away with her books.

If you haven't read this book RUN to Ellora's Cave and get a copy. It's hot, sexy, romantic and has some brilliant plotting and quite ingenious things in it (that I won't give away). And when you're done, you'll be as in love with Alex as I am, and wishing like all get out you were Emma!

That's it for now, folks. Have a fantastic day!

Namaste -

Syn (aka Ciana)